Green champions at school acclaimed

Three environmental heroes from some of the city's primary schools have been recognised for their contribution to the environment.

The Environmental Primary Schools Awards, co-ordinated by Keep Rotorua Beautiful and Rotorua Canopy Tours, acknowledged local teachers, students and caretakers for their environmental efforts, following nominations from their schools.

An awards function was held at the Rotorua District Council last week.

Council Keep Rotorua Beautiful co-ordinator Rose Hiha-Agnew said the three winners consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to the environment.

Seven-year-old Rotokawa School pupil Storm Peita received the Kowhai Student Environmental Award. He was described as "a natural environmentalist".

"This young man sorts recycling, picks up litter throughout the school without being asked, and is a real advocate for school environmental projects, including gardening," Mrs Hiha-Agnew said.

Otonga Primary School teacher Amanda Jeffrey was awarded the Totara Teacher Environmental Award. She is a Green Team leader, organising recycling, worm farms, gardening and litter buster groups for her students. She organised the Keep Rotorua Beautiful Clean Up Week.

Colin Pedersen from Te Kura o Te Whakarewarewa took out the Manuka Caretaker-Kaitiaki Award.

"Colin provides wonderfully groomed grounds surrounded by native forests, organised and developed a thriving worm farm with junior students, and shares ownership and leadership of vegetable, fruit and flower gardens within the school," Mrs Hiha-Agnew said.

All winners received a cash prize, Rotorua Canopy Tours vouchers and a certificate.